AUSTIN, Texas — Benton “Ben” Thompson, former manager of the 3M production plants in New Ulm for many years, died Saturday, Aug. 31, in Texas.

A native of Austin, Minnesota, Thompson was a U.S. Naval Academy graduate. After his naval service he started working as an engineer for 3M, and was eventually appointed to manage the New Ulm manufacturing operation.

Thompson was an active community member while in New Ulm, serving as a senior warden at his church. He was a Mason and a Shriner, a Rotarian, where he served a term as club president, a member of the Chamber of Commerce, a director at the New Ulm Country Club, a president of the local Toastmasters Club, and a member of the hospital board.

He and his family moved from New Ulm in 1984.

He retired after a 35-year career with 3M, and retired to Austin, Texas.